View source for Westray

{{Short description|Island of Orkney, Scotland}}
{{Other uses}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2017}}
{{Infobox Scottish island
|Image= Westray - West.jpg
|ImageCaption= A view of the western side of the island, with West and East Kirbest in the foreground and Langskaill beyond
|location_map = Scotland Orkney
|caption=Westray shown within [[Orkney]]
|coordinates = {{coord|59.3|-3.0|display=inline}}
|GridReference=HY461461
|scots name=Westree<ref>{{cite web | url=https://d3lmsxlb5aor5x.cloudfront.net/library/document/Map_of_Scotland_in_Scots-Guide_and_gazetteer.pdf | title=Map of Scotland in Scots - Guide and gazetteer}}</ref>
|norse name=Vestrey<ref>Pálsson and Edwards (1978) p. 251</ref>
|celtic name=Bheastraigh / Ueastraigh
|meaning of name= Old Norse for 'west island'
|area= {{convert|47.13|km2|sqmi|1}}
|area rank=24
|highest elevation= Fitty Hill {{convert|169|m|ft|1}}
|Population=566<ref name=RESAS>{{RESAS}}</ref>
|population rank=21
|population density =12 people/km<sup>2</sup><ref name=RESAS/><ref name=Smith/>
|main settlement=[[Pierowall]]
|island group=[[Orkney]]
|local authority=[[Orkney Islands Council|Orkney Islands]]
|references=<ref name=Smith>Haswell-Smith, Hamish. (2004) ''The Scottish Islands''. Edinburgh. Canongate.</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.orkneyjar.com/placenames/pl-isle.htm |title=Orkney Placenames |access-date=7 April 2007 |archive-date=30 August 2000 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000830075309/http://www.orkneyjar.com/placenames/pl-isle.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=OS5>{{cite map|title=Ordnance Survey: Landranger map sheet 5 ''Orkney (Northern Isles)''|ISBN=9780319228111|publisher=Ordnance Survey|date=2008}}</ref><ref name=Pedersen>Pedersen, Roy (January 1992) ''Orkneyjar ok Katanes'' (map, Inverness, Nevis Print)</ref>
}}

'''Westray''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|w|ɛ|s|t|r|iː}}, {{langx|sco|Westree}}) is one of the [[Orkney Islands]] in [[Scotland]] with a usual resident population of a little over 550 people. Its main [[village]] is [[Pierowall]], with a [[heritage centre]], the 15th-century [[Lady Kirk]] church and pedestrian [[ferry]] service to nearby [[Papa Westray]] island.  Westray has a number of archeological sites dating from 3500 BC, and remains of several Norse-Viking settlements.  The spectacular [[sea cliff]]s around Noup Head are home to thousands of [[seabird]]s.

==Geography and geology==
[[File:West coast of Westray - geograph.org.uk - 1397980.jpg|thumbnail|left|West coast of Westray Looking along the sandstone cliffs to the rock arch at Neven o'Grinni]]

Westray has an area of {{convert|18.2|sqmi|km2}}, making it the sixth largest of the Orkney Islands. The underlying geology is Rousay-type Middle [[Old Red Sandstone]], the flagstones of which make excellent building materials. There is very little [[peat]] and the soil is noted for its fertility.<ref name=Smith/>

==History==
At the time of the earliest known settlements, c. 3500 BC, in Westray and neighbouring [[Papa Westray]], it is believed that the two islands were joined.<ref name=Keay>Keay, J. & Keay, J. (1994) ''Collins Encyclopaedia of Scotland''. London. HarperCollins.</ref> A [[Neolithic]] and [[Bronze Age]] site at the [[Links of Noltland]] is in the care of [[Historic Scotland]].<ref>Lewis, Caroline (December 2007) [http://www.culture24.org.uk/history+%2526+heritage/archaeology/megaliths+and+prehistoric+archaeology/art52775 "Archaeologists Find Mysterious Neolithic Structure in Orkney Links of Noltland Dig"] culture24.org.uk. Retrieved 23 November 2009</ref> The site is threatened by the rapid erosion of the overlying sand dunes. Ongoing excavations have revealed over 30 buildings of Neolithic and Bronze Age date,<ref>{{Cite web|title = Sands of Time: Domestic Rituals at the Links of Noltland|url = http://www.archaeology.co.uk/articles/sands-of-time-domestic-rituals-at-the-links-of-noltland-2.htm|website = Current Archaeology|access-date = 2015-11-16|language = en-US}}</ref> the earliest of which overlaps in use with the [[Knap of Howar]] on the neighbouring island of Papa Westray (known as Papay to the locals), the oldest standing structure in NW Europe. The [[Westray Wife]], 4&nbsp;cm carved Neolithic [[figurine]] was discovered on the Noltland dig in 2009;<ref>{{cite news|url=http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/scotland/Orkney-Venus--closes-in.6364105.jp|title=Orkney Venus closes in on key prize 5,000 years after Neolithic creation|date=16 June 2010|publisher=The Scotsman|access-date=16 June 2010}}</ref> this is the oldest carving of a human found in the British Isles.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/orkneyvenus|title=Orkney Venus|publisher=Historic Scotland|access-date=16 June 2010|archive-date=3 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303200334/http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/orkneyvenus|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In 2010 some local businesses reported a 45% increase in turnover since the discovery of the figurine.<ref>Briefing: (15 July 2010) "Boom for Orkney after Venus find". Glasgow: ''The Herald''.</ref> Since then, four further figurines have been found, together with a wealth of other artefacts (carved stone ball, decorated grooved ware pottery, numerous carved bone objects and beads etc.). In 2015, a substantial subterranean building dating from the Bronze Age was uncovered; this was very well preserved and is interpreted as a sauna.<ref>{{Cite web|title = News Article|url = http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/index/news/news_article.htm?articleid=47237|website = www.historic-scotland.gov.uk|access-date = 2015-11-16}}</ref> The excavations won 'Best Rescue Dig' of the year in the prestigious 2014 Current Archaeology awards.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Current Archaeology in the Press|url = http://www.archaeology.co.uk/current-archaeology-in-the-press|website = Current Archaeology|access-date = 2015-11-16|language = en-US}}</ref> Several of the figurines and other artefacts from the site can be seen at Westray Heritage Centre and the excavation is open seasonally (free of charge).<ref>{{Cite web|title = Links of Noltland|url = https://www.facebook.com/Links-of-Noltland-618982478135822/|website = www.facebook.com|access-date = 2015-11-16}}</ref> The Heritage Centre also exhibits the 'Westray Stone' - a neolithic carved stone from a chambered tomb which closely resembles the art style of the Boyne Valley in Ireland.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Home|url = http://www.westrayheritage.co.uk|website = www.westrayheritage.co.uk|access-date = 2015-11-16}}</ref>

[[File:West_View_Quoygrew_Westray_Orkneys_Jul14_DSC_5421.jpg|left|thumb|Site of Viking longhouse, Quoygrew, view facing west]]
Westray constituted a major family estate during the [[saga]] period of the 10th - 11th centuries.<ref name="Keay"/> Largescale excavations of [[Earldom of Orkney|Norse period]] sites have been undertaken at Tuquoy, [[Quoygrew settlement, Westray|Quoygrew]] and Langskaill in recent years.  Each of these was the site of a Viking-Norse settlement.  Tuquoy has remains of a longhouse, a large rectangular building, and a [[midden]] (refuse dump).<ref>{{Cite web|title = Westray, Tuquoy {{!}} Canmore|url = http://canmore.org.uk/site/2822|website = canmore.org.uk|access-date = 2015-11-16}}</ref>  Quoygrew (Scheduled Monument SM13504) has the remains of a longhouse dating from 1100AD, used continuously until the early 20th century.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Quoygrew Excavations|url = http://www2.mcdonald.cam.ac.uk/projects/Quoygrew/pubs.html|website = www2.mcdonald.cam.ac.uk|access-date = 2015-11-16|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160304080936/http://www2.mcdonald.cam.ac.uk/projects/Quoygrew/pubs.html|archive-date = 4 March 2016|url-status = dead|df = dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Scheduled Monument|date=10 Oct 2014|title=Quoygrew, settlement, Westray, SM13504|url=https://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/SM13504|access-date=29 May 2021|website=[[Historic Environment Scotland]]}}</ref>  Langskaill appears to have been an [[British Iron Age|Iron Age]] settlement in use from 500 BC to the 14th century.  An underground chamber was discovered in Langskaill farm in 1965.  The investigation appears to indicate the abrupt disappearance of the pre-Norse culture, indicating an invasion by force by the Vikings.  The Norse invaders built a large high-status settlement over the site of the earlier settlement.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Westray dig points to brutal Viking invasion of the isles|url = http://www.orkneyjar.com/archaeology/2005/01/13/westray-dig-points-to-brutal-viking-invasion-of-the-isles/|website = Orkneyjar|access-date = 2015-11-16|language = en-US|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171110082938/http://www.orkneyjar.com/archaeology/2005/01/13/westray-dig-points-to-brutal-viking-invasion-of-the-isles/|archive-date = 10 November 2017|url-status = dead|df = dmy-all}}</ref>

It was at Noltland on Westray too, that one of the most impressive castles in Orkney, and indeed the [[Northern Isles]], was built, [[Noltland Castle]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.orkneycommunities.co.uk/WESTRAY/Documents/westraypastpresentfuture1.pdf |title=The Heritage of Westray |access-date=9 February 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120206182242/http://www.orkneycommunities.co.uk/WESTRAY/Documents/westraypastpresentfuture1.pdf |archive-date=6 February 2012 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref> The castle was commissioned in the 1560s by [[Gilbert Balfour]], who probably played the leading role in the murder of [[Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley|Lord Darnley]], consort of [[Mary, Queen of Scots]]. Balfour married Margaret Bothwell, the sister of [[Adam Bothwell]], [[Bishop of Orkney]] who endowed him with Westray, when it was episcopal property. The castle situated above the Bay of Pierowall, was built in the 1560s. It is notable for an unusually large spiral staircase, "second only to [[Fyvie Castle]], while its triple tiers of [[gunloop]]s are without parallel in Scotland, if not Europe".<ref name="Keay" /> However, Balfour was executed by the Swedes before he could use it.

Other attractions include the [[Romanesque architecture|Romanesque]] Cross Kirk and the Castle O'Burrian [[sea stack]] once used as a [[hermit]]age. [[Noup Head Lighthouse]] was constructed in 1898.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Stevenson engineers|url=https://www.nlb.org.uk/history/stevenson-engineers/?hilite=%27noup%27%2C%27head%27|access-date=31 May 2021|website=[[Northern Lighthouse Board]]}}</ref>

==Wildlife==
[[File:WestrayNoupHeadLighthouse.JPG|right|thumb|200px|Noup Head Lighthouse, Westray]]
The spectacular [[sea cliff]]s around Noup Head are home to thousands of [[seabird]]s including 60,000 [[common guillemot]] and [[black-legged kittiwake]], 30,000 [[razorbill]] and numerous [[Atlantic puffin]] and [[black guillemot]].<ref name=Smith/> The cliffs along the western and northern coasts of the island, along with adjoining areas of grassland and maritime sedge-heath, have been designated as [[Important Bird Area]]s (IBAs) by [[BirdLife International]] because they support breeding [[seabird]]s and [[waterbird]]s, while the sandy bays of the southern coast support wintering [[wader]]s.<ref name=bli>{{cite web |url= https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/2633 |title=West Westray|author=<!--Not stated--> |date=2024|website= BirdLife Data Zone|publisher= BirdLife International|access-date= 2024-08-31}}</ref><ref name=bli2>{{cite web |url= https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/2598 |title=South Westray Coast|author=<!--Not stated--> |date=2024|website= BirdLife Data Zone|publisher= BirdLife International|access-date= 2024-08-31}}</ref>

During the 1990s the [[black rat]] (''Rattus rattus'') may have been present<ref>[http://www.snh.org.uk/publications/on-line/aliens/audit/fulltext.doc An Audit Of Alien Species In Scotland] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303183058/http://www.snh.org.uk/publications/on-line/aliens/audit/fulltext.doc |date=3 March 2016 }} (May 2004) (Microsoft Word). Edinburgh. Scottish Natural Heritage.</ref> although they have not been recorded since. Mice and the [[Orkney vole]] are present however, as are [[European otter]]s.<ref name=Smith/>

==Economy and infrastructure==
Flights leave the island's [[Westray Airport]] at Aikerness for [[Kirkwall]] on the [[Orkney Mainland]], and to Papa Westray in the [[Loganair Westray to Papa Westray route|world's shortest scheduled flight]], of two minutes.<ref>{{Cite news|date=26 May 2013|title=Final trip for Orkney shortest flight pilot|work=[[BBC News]]|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-22668150|access-date=31 May 2021}}</ref> The main ferry terminal is at [[Rapness]] with regular sailings by [[Orkney Ferries]] to Kirkwall.

The [[island]]'s main industries are [[fishing]], [[fish farming]] and [[cattle]] farming. Tourism is also important to the island economy. The local cheese, Westray Wife, is an organic unpasteurised cheese available in mild and mature varieties. It marries well with the local range of Westray chutneys (all Fairtrade) and bakery goods (including oatcakes). Fresh fish, seafood and lobster is available and is of a very high standard.

The Westray [[development trust|Development Trust]] is well known for its [[renewable energy]] and [[recycling]] initiatives and plans to make the island self-sufficient in energy by 2012.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.dtascot.org.uk/popup.cfm?p_n=199617&p_i=199617 |title=DTA Scotland members |access-date=7 April 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081201161309/http://www.dtascot.org.uk/popup.cfm?p_n=199617&p_i=199617 |archive-date=1 December 2008 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref> A 900&nbsp;kW community-owned wind turbine was erected in October 2009, the third large-scale such project in Scotland. "When the community realised it was their turbine, not someone else’s, there was no objection," stated Alasdair McVicar of Westray Renewable Energy.<ref>[http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Built-Environment/regeneration/engage/empowerment/newsletter/December09/examples/westray "Westray Development Trust"]. Scottish Government. Retrieved 22 August 2010. The first two projects were on [[Gigha]] and at [[Findhorn Ecovillage]].</ref><ref>[http://www.senscot.net/view_art.php?viewid=9261 "Westray: Powerful community"]. Senscot. Retrieved 22 August 2010.</ref>

==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:Westray House.jpg|A ruined house on Westray with traditional flag-stone roof
File:Westray from Papay.jpg|Westray from [[Papa Westray]]
File:Westray - Fishing Village.jpg|Gill Pier
File:Sunset Pierowall Village View Westray Orkney Jul14 DSC 5380.jpg|Sunset over Pierowall, across the bay
File:Westray - West.jpg|Western part near Midbea
File:Westray - Noup Head Beacon.jpg|Lighthouse at Noup Head
File:Westray - Cliffs 2.jpg|Cliffs at Noup Head
File:Westray - Cliffs 1.jpg|Cliffs near Langskaill
File:Westray - Seabirds.jpg|Flock of gulls
File:Westray Skiffs.jpg|[[Skiff]]s racing in the Bay of Pierowall
File:Gravestone Groat Pierowall Orkney Jul14 DSC 5410.jpg|John & Jemima Groat family grave, Lady Kirk, Pierowall
File:Info Board Quoygrew Westray Orkneys Jul14 DSC 5420.jpg|Info board, Quoygrew Viking settlement
File:East View Quoygrew Westray Orkneys Jul14 DSC 5423.jpg|East view of Viking longhouse, Quoygrew
</gallery>

==See also==
{{Portal|Scottish islands}}
* [[List of islands of Scotland]]
* [[List of Orkney islands]]
* [[Geology of Orkney]]
* [[Westside Church]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Bibliography==
* ''Orkneyinga Saga: The History of the Earls of Orkney''. Trans. [[Hermann Pálsson|Pálsson, Hermann]] and Edwards, Paul (1978). London: Hogarth Press. {{ISBN|0-7012-0431-1}}. Republished 1981, Harmondsworth: Penguin. {{ISBN|0-14-044383-5}}.

==External links==
{{Commons category|Westray}}
{{Wikivoyage}}
* [http://www.orkneycommunities.co.uk/WESTRAY/Westray- One of Orkney's North Isles]{{Dead link|date=January 2018}}
* [https://westraypapawestray.co.uk// Westray and Papa Westray]
* [https://www.visitorkney.com/about/our-islands/westray VisitOrkney page on Westray and Papa Westray]

{{Coord|59|18|N|3|00|W|region:GB_type:isle|display=title}}

{{North West Orkney}}
{{Orkney Islands}}
{{Islands of Scotland}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Westray| ]]
[[Category:Islands of the Orkney Islands]]
[[Category:Important Bird Areas of Orkney]]